On January 1, 2014, I chose to quit drinking Diet Coke and Diet Dr. Pepper. Studies have shown numerous negative effects of these artificially sweetened, acidic drinks. I was up to at least three cans a day. As of December 30, 2014, I’ve kept my promise to myself. Has it made me healthier, I don’t know. Has it made me skinnier, definitely not. Am I a little satisfied at doing it, of course. Even little successes in life can be comforting.

One of the great things about a new year is that it provides a starting point. A time to reflect on our past wins and losses, to let them go, and to move forward. A clean slate for change.

I’m not a fan of the usual, often broken, New Year’s Resolutions. We’d all love to lose some weight, save more money, or quit this and that. Making resolutions is easy. The hard part is making the choices after the resolutions that lead to success.

Therein, lays the problem. Resolutions are easy to make (especially at a New Year’s Eve party) and hard to keep. The true path to change is to make a few New Year’s Choices for 2015.

Choose to get better every day. Make the you of yesterday proud of the you that has lived today. Small improvements each day can lead to major life change.

Choose to take care of yourself. Sleep more. Eat better. Drink less. Substitute water. Get a check-up. Brush and floss.

I had to slip a little dental advice in.

Choose to believe and to stand for something. Make a difference in the world. It’s amazing how the smallest acts of kindness or faith or giving can have lasting impact. Sometimes a smile or friendly note can do more than we ever know.

If we could all make those three choices each day; to become better, to be healthy, and to believe, I imagine the world would be a better place.